12 Magnificent Hidden Gems To Discover In Georgia This Year
By Lisa Sammons|Updated on December 10, 2023(Originally published January 15, 2023)
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Lisa Sammons
Author
Lisa loves animals and has dogs, rats, cats, guinea pigs, and snakes. She is passionate about animal rescue and live music - traveling across the country to see a favorite band is a pretty regular occurrence! Being out hiking in the woods enjoying the scenery with her beloved dogs is another favorite hobby, and also checking out the Pokemon Go scene in whatever city she happens to be in at any given time (coffee and dog leash in hand). You can reach Lisa at lsammons@onlyinyourstate.com
There are so many wonderful attractions in Georgia that some tend to fall through the cracks and do not get the attention they deserve. If your New Year’s resolution is to explore the Peach State a little more, we’ve gathered up a year’s worth of trips to hidden gems in Georgia. Some are better-known than others, but each is special in its own way and they’re all worthy of a visit.
Little Five Points is an artsy neighborhood that's famous throughout Atlanta, but not as well known to those outside the perimeter. You'll find tons of great shops here, plus charming cafes and coffee shops. It's full of colorful art and has so much character.
February: Atlanta History Center/Cyclorama
The Lloyd and Mary Ann Whitaker Cyclorama Building, 130 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305, USA
The Atlanta History Center's 33-acre campus offers much to explore, with botanical gardens and both permanent and rotating exhibits. You'll find plenty of information here on the history of Georgia and its capital city. One of the most underrated items on display here is the mighty cyclorama (cylindrical painting that the viewer stands in the middle of). This 360-degree painting is longer than a football field and measures 49 feet in height. The painting documents the Battle of Atlanta, a Civil War battle won by the Union Army. This is one of only two cycloramas in the United States.
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March: Chehaw Park and Zoo
Chehaw Park, 105 Chehaw Park Rd, Albany, GA 31701, USA
Albany's Chehaw Park and Zoo is a wonderful space spanning 800 acres. It's home to one of only two accredited zoos in Georgia, and has other fun attractions like nature trails and an RC track.
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April: Rock Garden
Rock Garden, Calhoun, 1411 Rome Rd SW, Calhoun, GA 30701, USA
Calhoun's Rock Garden is hidden away behind a church. The whimsical garden features a variety of miniature structures made of rock. You can find churches, castles, and more, all painstakingly crafted from rocks.
May: Etowah Mounds
Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site, 813 Indian Mound Rd SE, Cartersville, GA 30120, USA
The Etowah Indian Mounds are one of many reasons to visit Cartersville in the northwest part of the state. This 54-acre archaeological site was home to several thousand Native Americans over a thousand years ago. The site is remarkably intact and you'll find a museum with plenty of information about the mounds and cultures that once lived here.
Cumberland Island is the only place you can see wild horses in Georgia. This is a pretty strange place - in addition to a herd of feral horses, the island has marshes, lakes, and the ruins of a mansion that burned down in the 1950s. This is a great spot for a weekend spent camping in the summer!
Summertime in Georgia means one thing: beach season! One of the most secluded and beautiful beaches in Georgia is Little Tybee Island. It's off the coast of the much more popular Tybee Island and (despite its diminutive name!) actually dwarfs it in size. This peaceful paradise is one of the best hidden gems in South Georgia and can only be reached by boat.
August: Graveface Museum
Graveface Museum, Factors Walk, Savannah, GA 31401, USA
Graveface Museum is an oddities and curiosities museum in Savannah that's not as popular as some of the more famous museums in this historical city. You'll find plenty of information on famous crimes, circus sideshows, taxidermy, and more: this place is wacky!
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September: Phinizy Swamp Nature Park
Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, 1858 Lock and Dam Rd, Augusta, GA 30906, USA
The Phinizy Swamp Nature Park is pretty notable because it's a massive 1,100-acre swamp park right in Augusta, one of the largest cities in the state. This place is a must-visit for nature lovers: it's got free admission and miles of boardwalk trails to explore.
October: Watson Mill Bridge State Park
Watson Mill Bridge State Park, 650 Watson Mill, Comer, GA 30629, USA
Lisa Sammons/Only In Your State
Watson Mill Bridge State Park is one of the most underrated state parks in Georgia. The sprawling oasis spans more than 1,000 acres and is home to the largest covered bridge in the state. You'll find miles of trails, a campground, and plenty of fall foliage if you visit in October.
There's something so fun about small museums devoted to offbeat subjects. One of our favorites is the Lunchbox Museum in Columbus. There are over 3,000 lunchboxes here, with examples dating back to the early 1950s. There's also a display of antique Coca Cola memorabilia.
December: BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Atlanta, 460 Rockbridge Rd NW, Lilburn, GA 30047, USA
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is a peaceful Hindu temple that's open to visitors of all religions. This is perhaps the most beautiful palace in Georgia and many people don't even know it exists. The architecture is incredible when viewed up close, and there's an audio tour to give you more information on the temple's history.
Have you been to any of these hidden gems in Georgia? Did we miss your favorite hidden gem in Georgia? Share your thoughts or suggestions in the comments. We would love to hear from you!
The next time you’re feeling up for an adventure, consider a road trip to take in several of the best hidden gems in Georgia. We’ve put together a Georgia hidden gems road trip guaranteed to take you to some amazing places. We all know one of the most important parts of planning to be in the car for a road trip is the snacks. You’ll love this ultimate road trip snacks list we’ve also created, so that you’ll be properly fueled for your next adventure, whether in Georgia or elsewhere!
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More to Explore
The Best Hidden Gems In Georgia
Katie Feldkamp|December 10, 2023
Where are some of the best hidden gems in Georgia?
The Peach State certainly has its things that it is known for. But there are also countless things that people often don’t know about that are also worth the trip. Some of the best hidden gems in Georgia include places such as:
The SAM Shortline Excursion Train in Cordele is a hidden gem itself, and the towns you go through on the 38-mile ride are charming surprises as well.
Smithgall Woods State Park in Helen has what is known as the best trout fishing hole in all of Georgia. Don’t take the bait that there’s anywhere better than this place.
The Pirates’ House in Savannah is the oldest standing building in Georgia and is known not only for its food but also for its hauntings. One of the best hidden gems in South Georgia!
For more information on these and several other places, check out this article on some of the best hidden gems in Georgia.
What are some restaurants that are hidden gems in Georgia?
The next time you want to dine out at a restaurant, skip going to the well-known places and try one of these restaurant hidden gems in Georgia:
